Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – Katherine Tatum, a student of Layman Scott High School, topped the 2014 Tourism Speak Off’ debates held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on Wednesday, 24 September and was crowned ‘Tourism Ambassador’, to serve for a period of one year.

Kayci McCarther representing Grace Christian Academy, and   Monike Buck and, Max Pairaudeau from Cayman Prep High School school also competed in the finals of the Tourism Speak Off, a programme which encourages and rewards tourism awareness among high school students, ensuring that students in the Cayman Islands are educated about the issues that affect the industry locally and internationally. The four finalists emerged from dozens of students who submitted entries to qualify to take part in the final round of the competition.

In the first round of the three-round finals of the 2014 Tourism Speak Off, the four contestants were required to share their ideas on accessible tourism. In round two, the debate focused on experiential tourism. In round three, the students presented their ideas on a mystery topic, Tourism and Community Development.

In addition to being named ‘Tourism Ambassador’, Katherine received the winner’s trophy, two airline tickets on Cayman Airways and $1,000.00. As ‘Tourism Ambassador’, she will participate in special industry activities including the annual Tourism Conference, the Tourism Stingray Awards and Tourism Exchange. The prize money is awarded equally from the Department of Tourism and the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA).

First runner-up was Kayci, who also received a trophy and a cheque for $500 from the CITA, second runner-up was Max, who received a trophy and an Atlantis Submarine gift certificate. The fourth finalist, Monike, received a prize pack from the Department of Tourism worth over $100

Offering his congratulations and support to the winner and other finalists, Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister, the Hon Moses Kirkconnell said, “It is so encouraging to see the interest and high standard of research, argument and presentation that the students have brought to this year’s Tourism Speak Off. I congratulate all of them for their efforts and in particular, thank their parents and teachers for encouraging and supporting them to take such an interest in tourism. I wish Katherine all the very best over the course of the next year, as they represent their country, school as our young Tourism Ambassador.”

Director of Tourism, Mrs. Rosa Harris, was among the enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, teachers and tourism partners at the debate, also congratulated the winners.

“Tourism Speak Off has been an important part of the educational outreach of the Ministry and Department of Tourism and I am happy to see that this year’s event continued to garner enormous interest for students, judging by the number of entries received. This suggests that our students are keenly interested in the subject and in the opportunities that this programme presents. I offer my congratulations to the winner and all the finalists and hope that this will mark the beginning of their continued interest in tourism,” she said.